Here’s an interesting piece of historically significant information regarding the palms referred to in your above article in Newsletter 4.

It’s very likely not the first time these palms have been re-located.

These are most likely the Phoenix that originally came from the main axis avenue on the Parkville campus of The University of Melbourne. They were first moved as mature specimens in preparation for the construction of the South Lawn Car Park in the early 1970’s. Interestingly, rather than fell the trees to waste, they were offered to the developers in a contra deal that saw them removed at no cost to the University.

During the colder months of the year experienced in South-eastern Australia, the internal activities of trees slow down and some trees experience a cyclical dormant period. This is often also perceived as a dormant time on the gardening calender. Yet autumn and winter present the perfect opportunity for some types of work, such as planting new trees, fertilising, pruning and some pest and disease control activities.
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The Canary Island Date Palm is one of the most widely cultivated ornamental palms in the world. The species has enjoyed a reputation as a hardy tree that will tolerate a wide range of soil types and climactic conditions that has made it highly suitable for the Australian landscape (Jones 1989).
Not self-cleaning, so the old leaves need to be cut off. An architectural tree that also makes a good avenue tree and can help provide a Mediterranean landscape character.

Origin: Canary Islands, off north/eastern Africa

Description: Very large (to about 20m), majestic palm, with a tall, solid trunk, with a broad crown of large, arching, divided feathery leaves with spined petioles held on sturdy dark grey trunk.

Tolerances: Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, grows best in full sun, well drained position. Has moderate to high drought tolerance and tolerance to frost and salt spray. Transplants easily as a mature tree. Although the species is renowned for its hardiness, it like most other plant species will suffer the effects of waterlogged or saline soils. Drought will also affect the well being of this palm species particularly in sandy soils. Zinc and nitrogen deficiencies often found in costal soils will affect the growth and appearance of the Canary Island Date Palm, as will alkaline soils. Seedlings are quite slow, but speed up considerably once they start to trunk
A significant threat to palm species in particular the Canary Island Date Palm is Fusarium wilt, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. canariensis. Fusarium wilt is a true wilt disease where plant decline and death is as a direct result of the loss of function of the water conducting cells within the plant.

Availability: Usually transplanted as a mature tree. Specialist nurseries or salvaged from older landscapes.

Reference: Jones, D. (1989), Palms in Australia. Reed
Spencer, R. (2005) Horticultural flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5, Flowering plants: monocotyledons. University of New South Wales Press Ltd.

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